Q1. What makes Vinyl windows and doors superior to
competitive products like wood or aluminum?

Answer:

Superior Performance.  Vinyl will not fall prey to problems common to wood or aluminum such as...

1. •Corrosion
   

2. •Warping
   

3. •Peeling/Rotting
   

4. •Condensation
   

Vinyl is virtually

maintenance free, it

never needs painting or

staining and it won’t show

scratches!

Superior Energy Efficiency!

        • Vinyl is 1000 times more energy efficient than aluminum.

        • Superior Environmental Impact

        • Manufacturing process creates One Third the environmental impact of aluminum.

        • Reduced threat of soil and water contamination.

Durability reduces hazardous waste disposal.

Shwinco Industries takes Vinyl window and door technology to the next level with an intensive manufacturing process stressing formulation and testing. Along the coast, structures are subjected to weather conditions unlike anywhere else in the country. Built on the coast, for the coast, Shwinco products are specifically designed to withstand the harshest effects of coastal weather, like wind, water, and over exposure to the grueling sun. Shwinco products are designed with combinations of vinyl, nylon, stainless steel and welded seams with a unique water drainage system to create a product that is unmatched in the industry! Energy Star rated, Shwinco products significantly exceed the energy efficiency of normal Vinyl products!

Laboratory tested in Arizona, Florida, Ohio and Australia, Shwinco products have also been field tested by Mother Nature herself in homes and businesses along the coast since 1989! Designed with sever weather in mind Shwinco products have weathered such storms as: Opal, Roxanne, Cesar, Fran, Hortense, Georges, Joan, Mitch, Floyd, Lenny, Keith, Allison, Iris, Michelle, Isadore, Lili, Fabian, Isabel, Alex, Bonnie, Charley, Danielle, Earl, Frances, Gaston, Hermine, Ivan, Jeanne.

When it comes to coastal contruction, the choise is CLEAR: Custom Vinyl and Doors from Shwinco Industries!

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Vinyl Windows and Doors have many Features & Benefits unique to the products.  Shwinco adds to this with our unique, patent pending designs and manufacturing process.  Below are the most Frequently Asked Questions for your review.  If you still have questions please contact us at info@shwinco.com

Q2. Why purchase IMPACT Windows?

Answer: Catastrophic damage to a home occurs when the structure is breached (usually through a broken window). As outside winds pour in the opening, incredible pressures build inside, eventually blowing the structure apart from the inside out.

Impact-resistant windows consist of specially designed, impact-resistant glass surrounded by a heavy-duty frame, securely fastened to the interior window header and frame. Their construction and anchoring keep high winds and flying debris caused by extreme weather from breaching the home.

Impact (Laminated) glass consists of two sheets of glass with an inner shatter-proof membrane between them. Once the glass receives a significant impact, it may shatter, but the inner membrane holds the pieces firmly in its frame so that the barrier is not broken. These windows are designed to handle wind-borne debris hurled at high wind speeds and repeated impact from would-be intruders. In both cases, penetration or wind or water is nearly impossible.

Q3. Impact Glass vs. Shutters

Answer: Download Chart

Q4. What is insulated Glass and why does Shwinco use it in their windows and doors?

Answer: Insulated glass consists of two pieces of glass sealed to a spacer. This creates an insulated air space between the two pieces of glass, resulting in better thermal performance. Insulated glass also reduces condensation while keeping the heat in during the winter and the heat out during the summer.

Q5. What is LOW E Glass?

Answer: Low E stands for low emissivity. The lower the emissivity the higher the percentage of long-wave radiation blocked thereby improving thermal performance. Low E glass is coated with a microscopically thin, virtually invisible, metal or metallic oxide layer. The primary function is to reduce the U-Value by suppressing radiation heat flow. A secondary feature is the blocking of short wave radiation to impede heat gain.

Q6. What are R-Values & U-Values?

Answer: The R-value is the resistance a material has to the flow of heat (the higher the R-value, the greater the resistance).

The U-value is the amount of heat that is transferred through a material. (the lower the U-value, the better insulating quality).

Q7. How can I determine the energy efficiency and durability of Shwinco Windows or any other window?

Answer: The American Architectural Manufacturing Association (AAMA) and the National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC), test the performance and quality standards for windows.

The NFRC established standards for thermal performance.

• U-factor: This is a measure of heat loss. The lower the U-factor the better.

• SHGC (Solar Heat Gain Coefficient): Once again the lower the better.

• VT (Visible Transmittance): The higher the visible transmittance, the more daylight is transmitted. A high VT is desirable to maximize the amount of daylight entering the home.

Q8. What is ENERGY STAR®?

Answer: ENERGY STAR was created by The United States Department of Energy. ENERGY STAR helps businesses and consumers become aware of what products save energy (saving money) while protecting the environment for future generations. When a product, such as a Shwinco window, meets the requirements for ENERGY STAR that product then qualifies for the program.

Q9. What is condensation and what causes it?

Condensation is the result of excess humidity, or excess water vapor in the air coming into contact with a cooler surface such as a window causing visible droplets of water. To minimize this effect, Shwinco’s windows and doors are built with features to keep the surface of the glass warmer. When the humidity conditions are extremely high, use the following suggestions to help reduce the moisture in the air:

• Open windows frequently to "air-out" your home.
• Use a dehumidifier.
• Use venting fans in the kitchen, bathroom and laundry room.

Q10. WIND ZONE MAP

New building codes and requirements have recently been enacted in several states to provide increased protection for lives and property in areas subject to hurricanes. Since standards and requirements vary from state to state and within states, you should check with local building authorities for the most recent and authoritative information.

Q11. General Care & Maintenance

General Care and Maintenance

Congratulations you have purchased some of the finest window and door products on the market today. Your products have been built with the highest quality materials available and with proper care will provide you with years of high performance.

These vinyl products are assembled using stainless fasteners and nylon parts as well as vinyl frames. Your care requirements will be minimal as compared to other products, such as wood. Following are monthly steps and requirements to provide years of service.

WARNING: Some windows are equipped with a limit stop that limits the opening of the sash to 4”. It is illegal to remove these stops.

NOTE: Never tilt window if located on a sheer wall (elevation with no walk surface on the exterior side of the window).

WARNING!
Impact Products
Please pay very close attention when operating and cleaning an impact product!

An impact product is extremely heavy and it is not recommended to tilt and function these products if you are not able to lift and handle more than 70 to 100 pounds by yourself. It is very easy to lose control of the sash in the tilting operation and could cause significant injury in the process. Please take the necessary precautions and enlist assistance or have a professional satisfy your needs in these situations.

(1) Lubrication

Even though stainless steel is used, some surface oxidation can occur as a result of being in close proximity to salt water or exposure to salt spray. Once each month, wipe all stainless parts with a silicone (non petroleum products) dampened cloth to remove any surface oxidation even though it might not be visible. The peace of mind comes from knowing any oxidation is only “skin deep.”

A: Windows:
(1) Wipe down all screw heads and lock mechanisms. Raise sash and locate hardware pin at each of the bottom corners of the operable sash and spray a directed spray on the hardware pin and adjacent materials and wipe off any excess. (Never use petroleum based cleaners or lubricants)

(2) It is important to operate your window weekly so that the balance mechanism remains lubricated. The action of raising the sash does this because the balance is self-lubricating. Once per month raise and tilt the sash (if tilt able / SEE WARNING) and spray a direct spray of silicone based lubricant on the balance rod (spiral spring) in each jamb.

B: Doors:
(1) Wipe all hardware surfaces, handle sets, hinges, lock plates, locks, and screw heads with a silicone dampened cloth. Spray a directed spray of silicone into the lock mechanism on the side of the door and function the lock to insure full coverage. Wipe off the excess. Remove the roller adjustment hole covers located at the bottom of the operable panel and spray a directed spray directly into the panel to fully lubricate the stainless roller system. Replace the plug cover.

(2) Door Sills: Vacuum sill where roller rack is located or under hinged door panel. Wipe down roller track with silicone dampened cloth.

(2) Weep System

A:
During construction it is not uncommon for a build up of construction
related materials i.e.: sand/mortar to collect in the sills of windows and
doors. Upon initial occupancy we recommend checking all weep systems so that
they may be cleaned out to prevent water back up. This can be done by flushing
the system with water or air. This is done by first vacuuming the sill area and
then pouring water or spraying air into the interior side of sill and flushing out
through the exterior weep holes. Next, spray air back through from the exterior
weep holes to the inside. Repeat this process as necessary or until foreign debris
is eliminated. Please contact Shwinco/Service for specific instruction or
schedule a Shwinco Technician to perform this operation.

B:
Once every three months raise the sash and pour 8-12 oz. of 75/25 water to bleach mixture into the sill to keep the weep system free of any undesired build up.

(3) Exterior
Once per month wipe down the exterior surface of the window or door with Armor All or similar material (non-petroleum). While doing this, check the perimeter seal for any gapping or cracking and fill as necessary with a vinyl compatible sealant or caulk. I.e.: Low Modulus silicone or urethane. It may be necessary to verify the material that was originally used in order to insure compatibility and the longevity of the sealant life.

(4) General Cleaning
For general cleaning purposes most clean up can be accomplished using a mild cleaner such as Windex or alcohol. Always apply cleaners to the rag or towel being used and not directly on the window or glass itself. By gently wiping over the area to be cleaned you can remove most undesired dirt or stains. Any tough dirt or stain can most often be removed with a mildly abrasive cleaner such as “Soft Scrub.” Always dampen the cleaning towel and NEVER use a dry towel. Be careful when using any abrasive containing cleaner as it can leave surface scratches if using TOO Much elbow grease! If your window was supplied with “self-cleaning” glass Never use a razor blade or abrasive cleaner. Do not even wipe with a paper towel on the exterior surface. Simply lightly spray the exterior glass surface with water to mimic a light rain shower.

Never Pressure wash!
Never Clean with muratic acid or petroleum based products!

You may desire to have a Shwinco technician perform all or part of these tasks. Feel free to contact the Shwinco Service Department at 1-800-749-4626 or (334) 556-0889

Q12. What makes the EXT Series so different from other Impact Resistant products?

Answer:

SHWINCO Industries takes Vinyl window technology a Quantum Leap forward with its latest innovation: The DOMINATOR EXT 9000 Series!

FEATURES:

• Narrow Line Frame Design

• Multi Cellular Wall Design

• Shwinco's Patent Pending "Unitized Structural Construction System"

• AAMA Heavy Commercial Rating

• Superior Deep Interlocking Sash System

• Multiple Balance System Options

• Heavy Duty Sash Carrying System

• Stepped Sill Design

• Superior Water Performance Up to 15.0psf Water Rating

• Up to 1" Insulated Glass

• Stainless Steel Pivot System

• Stainless Fasteners

• Uniquely Designed Glazing System

• Integral Nail Fin with J-Channel Option

• Large Sizes Available

Combining Strength and Energy Efficiency, the Dominator is the strongest Vinyl window in America, able to withstand 200 mph wind forces (DP +110, -150). It is also the first vinyl window to be rated for HEAVY COMMERCIAL structures! If it's strong enough for High Rise Condos and Hotels, with their stringent building codes, you can bet it FAR EXCEEDS the codes for any residential structures! Now you can protect your home and family with the same commercial rated protection!

Q13. Installation Manuals

Installation Manuals on all Shwinco Products are available at www.ShwincoDealer.com

Q14. How do I become a Shwinco Dealer?

Answer:

To become an Authorized Shwinco Dealer, contact us at:

Shwinco of Alabama

171 Pemco Drive

Dothan Alabama ?????-????

Phone: (334) 556-0889

Toll Free: 800-749-4626

Fax: (850) 271-3050

Email:craig@shwinco.com